Heifer International, a prominent global non-profit organisation dedicated to eradicating hunger and poverty in low- and middle-income nations, has issued an appeal to stakeholders in Africa’s agriculture sector.
The organisation has urged them to enhance their backing for youth-driven innovations and the adoption of technology to transform the continent’s food systems.
Prioritising Partnerships for Sustainable Transformation
Emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships, Heifer International has explained that these collaborations aim to bolster smallholder farmers and communities, ultimately elevating incomes and catalysing a transformation in Africa’s food systems. The organisation made this call during this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum, where it actively participated in side events, networking forums, and panels centred around transformative solutions for Africa’s agriculture.
The forum, which unfolded from September 4 to 8 in Dar es Salaam, stands as Africa’s premier gathering for agriculture stakeholders to forge practical actions for the transformation of food systems and the eradication of hunger.
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Empowering Youth and Fostering Innovation
Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President of Africa Programmes at Heifer International, underscored the significance of the event, stating, “More than 3000 attendees from over 70 countries attended this year’s summit, where more than 350 experts and policymakers engaged stakeholders on ways that Africa can build back better food systems and strengthen the continent’s food sovereignty with youth and women at the centre.”
She revealed that Heifer International has been collaborating with farmers and communities in Africa for nearly five decades, working to help them establish sustainable and resilient food systems capable of withstanding various challenges. A significant part of the organisation’s work in the continent involves innovative investments in young Africans.
Ifedi stated, “Our profound experience of partnering with smallholder farmers and communities has provided us with a unique perspective – one that harnesses the innovation and energy of young innovators, alongside the limitless potential of technology. This is to craft scalable and enduring agrotech solutions tailored to the unique needs of small-holder farmers.”
A Call to Urgently Boost Africa’s Food Systems
According to Ifedi, concerted efforts are urgently required to bolster Africa’s food systems to accommodate the continent’s projected population of 2.5 billion people by 2050. She highlighted that Africa is endowed with two critical assets to address this challenge: its youth and technology.
“Africa possesses the youngest population globally, with nearly 40 percent of the continent’s population aged 15 or below, as of 2022. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, an estimated 500 million people will be under 25 years old by 2050,” she said, emphasising the energy and determination of Africa’s young population.
Supporting Young Innovators in Agriculture
Heifer International also called for increased innovative capital to support young innovators working on transformative solutions for the agriculture ecosystem. Tewodros Ayele, Country Director Ethiopia, Heifer International, shared insights into the organisation’s initiatives, stating, “Through various initiatives, we have provided innovative capital to young professionals developing and deploying tech innovations that are enhancing smart farming and food production across the continent.”
Ayele highlighted the AYuTe Africa Challenge as one such initiative, describing it as one of the most ambitious agriculture competitions on the continent. The challenge empowers and supports young professionals who are developing and deploying tech innovations that reimagine farming and food production across Africa.
In conclusion, Heifer International’s call for increased support for youth-driven innovations and technology adoption in Africa’s agriculture sector underscores the crucial role that the continent’s young population and technological advancements can play in transforming food systems and ensuring a prosperous future for all. Through strategic partnerships and investments in innovation, Africa has the potential to build more sustainable and resilient food systems to meet the challenges of a growing population.